Canada Post had not planned to issue a stamp, citing its two-year planning cycle. But it had a change of heart — ‘‘the Crown corporation could not ignore the demands it was hearing,” according to Jim Phillips, director of stamp services — and designed one just in time for the April 29 nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

It was to be unveiled at 10 a.m. Friday at Rideau Hall by Governor General David Johnston. “Canada Post has never issued a stamp as quickly as these two beautiful ones,” said Anick Losier, a spokesperson for Canada Post. The stamp will be available at post offices across Canada on the day of the royal nuptials, online or by mail order. “We managed to condense our production cycle just enough to get it there on time,” said Ms. Losier. “This means Canadians will be able to go to select post offices and have it cancelled [stamped] with a special ‘cancel’ commemorating this event.”

The stamp was designed by Montreal native Isabelle Toussaint in close contact with Clarence House; it was personally approved by Prince William and Queen Elizabeth. Ms. Losier said the number of pre-orders has been astounding, even before the design was unveiled. “The domestic stamp shows a photo of the couple when they announced their engagement last November, and the international rate stamp nears the official engagement portrait taken by the famed photographer Mario Testino” said Canada Post in a statement.

Canada Post will produce over 16 million of the stamps, a significantly higher quantity than most commemorative stamp issues outside of the holiday season. The Canadian stamp will be released on the heels of the U.K. wedding stamp, which was made available to customers on April 7.